Cuomo implied that Rodman should use his relationship with dictator Kim Jong-un in order to free Bae, and that it would be unwise not to do so when he had the opportunity.

"The one thing about politics, Kenneth Bae did one thing. If you understand — if you understand what Kenneth Bae did," Rodman said. "Do you understand what he did? In this country?"

"What did he do?" Cuomo said. "you tell me."

"You tell me," Rodman said. "You tell me. Why is he held captive?"

"I don't give a rat's ass what the hell you think," Rodman yelled at Cuomo. "You are the guy behind the mic right now. ... We are the guys who have to go back to America and take the abuse."

Friend and colleague Charles D. Smith — who was considerably more collected — had been trying to keep Rodman during the entire interview, but Rodman wasn't having it, telling Smith several times, "I got this" and "watch this."